50 Nifty United States Parks
Summer may be over, but outdoor fun never has to end. If you’re ready to plan your next weekend adventure, we’re looking at the 50 nifty United States parks that will quench your thirst for outdoor adventure.
Videos by Outdoors
Alabama
Park: Rickwood Caverns State Park
Address: 370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, AL 35180
About: Rickwood Caverns contains 260-million-year-old formations that were carved into an ocean bed. Sign up for a cave tour to experience the caverns, and then enjoy trails, gem mining, and camping opportunities throughout the park.
Alaska
Park: Caines Head State Recreation Area
Address: Seward Highway (1) to Highway 9 to Seward
About: At almost 6,000 acres of protected land, Caines Head State Recreation Area is located on the Kenai Peninsula. There are 14 miles of trails and a number of beaches to explore for hikers and backpackers alike.
Arizona
Park: Red Rock State Park
Address: 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
About: Though it’s named Red Rock State Park, there’s much more to see than just big, red rock formations. The rock is surrounded by native plants such as manzanita and juniper. There are also beautiful, rolling creeks.
Arkansas
Park: South Arkansas Arboretum
About: The South Arkansas Arboretum offers travelers the opportunity to get out of the car and stretch their legs, and it is a great place to go to learn about the coastal plant species that are on display in the park. The arboretum is managed by South Arkansas Community College.
Address: 1506 Mt Holly Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730
California
Park: Crystal Cove State Park
Address: Pacific Coast Highway, California
About: Crystal Cove State Park offers beautiful beaches, tide pools, sloping hills, and a number of trails. The park has 3.2 miles of coastline and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness to explore during your time there.
Colorado
Park: Ridgway State Park
Address: 28555 Ridgeway Highway 550, Ridgway, CO 81432
About: With over 280 campsites and opportunities to take part in water sports, Ridgway State Park is a stunning place to hike and take in the beautiful views of the mountains and lake. The park is known for its variety of wildlife, including elk, mountain lions, and rabbits.
Connecticut
Park: Black Rock State Park
Address: 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795
About: Black Rock State Park is a stunning mix of pine, hemlock, and oak over rolling hills and ledges with opportunities to camp, hike, fish, and explore. indigenous people lived in these areas and left artifacts behind that have been found in the park.
Delaware
Park: Fort Delaware State Park
Address: 2540 Colter Rd, Delaware City, DE 19706
About: This historic state park is located on Pea Patch Island in the middle of the Delaware River. Fort Delaware was built to protect the cities of Wilmington and Philadelphia during the mid-1800s. It was used as a prison during the Civil War due to its isolation.
Florida
Park: Blue Spring State Park
Address: 2100 W. French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
About: Blue Spring State Park is a popular state park in Florida. With opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating, this state park is great for those who absolutely love to get out on (or in) the water.
Georgia
Park: Tallulah Gorge State Park
Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
About: Considered to be one of the “most spectacular” canyons in the eastern United States, Tallulah Gorge is a stunning 1,000-foot gorge with a number of overlooks that allow you to view the beautiful features of the park.
Hawai’i
Park: ʻĪao Valley State Monument
Address: Wailuku, HI
About: This park offers a short walk to visit the beautiful Kuka’emoku or ʻĪao Needle, a rock formation that rises 1,200 feet up from the valley floor. The ʻĪao Valley holds cultural and spiritual values for native Hawaiians. The walk to the Kuka’emoku takes you through a beautiful botanical garden.
Idaho
Park: Thousand Springs State Park
Address: 17970 U.S. Highway 30, Hagerman, ID 83332
About: This breathtaking state park is located in southern Idaho in a location called Magic Valley, and the number of waterfalls in this park truly feels like magic. Take part in a variety of activities or take a quick hike on the Oregon Trail.
Illinois
Park: Jubilee College State Park
Address: 13921 W. Route 150, Brimfield, IL 61517
About: Located in Peoria County, Jubilee County State Park is 3,200 acres with a variety of plant life and topography. Plus, the beautiful Jubilee Creek is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.
Indiana
Park: Whitewater Memorial State Park
Address: 1418 S State Rd 101, Liberty, IN 47353
About: With a variety of shoreline hiking and flat-water boating opportunities, Whitewater Memorial State Park is a great place for families to explore the great outdoors together. It is a part of the Brookville Lake-Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex.
Iowa
Park: Marble Beach State Recreation Area
Address: 1500 Harpen St, Milford, IA 51315
About: Marble Beach State Recreation Area is an angler’s dream, as it is located on the largest natural lake in Iowa—Spirit Lake. The park is open year-round and offers visitors a wide array of outdoor activities, even if you don’t like fishing.
Kansas
Park: Tuttle Creek State Park
Address: 500 River Pond Rd A, Manhattan, KS 66502
About: Tuttle Creek State Park is broken down into five units: River Pond, Rocky Ford, Cedar Ridge, Fancy Creek, and Randolph. It is a 1,200-acre park that offers over 200 campsites. Tuttle Creek State Park has nature trails and mountain-biking opportunities.
Kentucky
Park: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Address: 7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701
About: If you’ve been looking for a state park that has a little bit of everything, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is the place for you. Whether you’re looking to hike and see waterfalls, take part in activities such as archery, or enjoy a quiet weekend getaway, visit Cumberland Falls for all of the above.
Louisiana
Park: Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Address: 14656 State Park Rd, Bastrop, LA 71220
About: With stunning views of the Bayou Bartholomew, Chemin-A-Haut State Park is an acre-long park that was designed with children in mind. The park offers RV, tent, and cabin camping opportunities. Chemin-A-Haut State Park got its name from the French word for “high road,” referring to the migration route of indigenous people.
Maine
Park: Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Address: 426 Wolfe’s Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
About: With rocky shorelines, hemlock forests, and salty marshes, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is a beautiful park with a variety of landscapes to explore. Watch for the park’s signature resident, the osprey. They’re often seen on the coast of Googins Island.
Maryland
Park: Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area
Address: 898 State Park Rd, Swanton, MD 21561
About: The Youghiogheny Wild River is a part of the Mississippi River that flows through the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the Rockies. Though the Youghiogheny starts as calm waters, it eventually becomes a great location for white-water rafting through beautiful mountains.
Massachusetts
Park: Boston Harbor Island State Park
Address: 191 W Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109
About: Boston Harbor Island State Park is made up of 17 islands in the Boston Harbor (34 of the islands are a part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park). The parks are just a 45-minute ferry ride from the city of Boston and offer camping opportunities.
Michigan
Park: Agate Falls Scenic Site
Address: M-28 Trout Creek, MI 49967
About: Agate Falls is one of Michigan’s most beautiful waterfalls and is a part of the Ontonagon River. To get to the scenic site, walk the half-mile trail to the overlook location through a tunnel under M-28.
Minnesota
Park: Bear Head Lake State Park
Address: 9301 Bear Head Lake State Park Rd, Ely, MN 55731
About: Bear Head Lake State Park is a Minnesota gem. Whether you love camping or getting out on the water, Bear Head Lake will make a great stop. Rent a kayak or fishing pole for a fun outdoor adventure.
Mississippi
Park: LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Mayes Lake
Address: 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216
About: Located in the heart of the city of Jackson, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a lush, green spot in an urban landscape. The 305-acre state park offers spaces for a variety of outdoor activities. Jackson was originally called LeFleur’s Bluff, and the city has a rich, cultural heritage to explore.
Missouri
Park: Mark Twain State Park
Address: 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, MO 65283
About: Mark Twain State Park surrounds Mark Twain Lake and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. With 6 miles of hiking trails, the park’s wooded areas are a great place to see white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
Montana
Park: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Address: 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759
About: Lewis & Clark Caverns is one of the largest known limestone caverns in the northwestern United States. The caves are only accessible by guided tour, but camping and hiking trails are available to all visitors throughout the day.
Nebraska
Park: Ponca State Park
Address: 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE 68770
About: Ponca State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Nebraska. During the spring months, migrating birds like to stay in the park, and there are a number of various seasonal activities to check out.
Nevada
Park: Valley of Fire State Park
Address: Moapa Valley, NV 89040
About: The Valley of Fire is home to over 40,000 acres of red Aztec stone, as well as stunning petroglyphs and petrified trees that have been there for over 2,000 years. There are also a variety of campsites available for those interested in staying the night.
There’s a new state park coming to Nevada called Ice Age Fossils State Park that is opening soon.
New Hampshire
Park: Cannon Mountain Ski Area
Address: 260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580
About: Cannon Mountain Ski Area is the only state-owned premier ski area. Located in Franconia Notch, there are 11 lifts for the 285 acres of skiing. Cannon Mountain Ski Area is the home to the only aerial tramway in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Park: Kittatinny Valley State Park
Address: 199 Goodale Rd, Newton, NJ 07860
About: With hiking, mountain biking, birding, and horseback riding, Kittatinny Valley State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is home to the deepest natural lake in the state, Lake Aeroflex. There are four glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, and former railroads to explore.
New Mexico
Park: Oasis State Park
Address: 1891 Base Line, Portales, NM 88130
About: With an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet, Oasis State Park is a great park to visit when you’re in the state. Oasis State Park offers opportunities to camp, as well as beautiful scenery through the cottonwood trees and the small fishing pond.
New York
Park: Barcelona Lighthouse State Park
Address: 8234 E Lake Rd (Route 5), Westfield, NY 14787
About: Finished in 1829, the Barcelona Lighthouse was the first natural-gas lighthouse in the country. Located in Portland Harbor, the Barcelona Lighthouse is a part of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Passport Club, so you can get your passport stamped when you visit the park.
North Carolina
Park: Mount Mitchell State Park
Address: 2388 North Carolina 128, Burnsville, NC 28714
About: Home to the highest point east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell State Park offers a number of stunning trails and beautiful views from the observation deck at the top of the mountain peak.
North Dakota
Park: Fort Stevenson State Park
Address: 1252A 41st Ave NW, Garrison, ND 58540
About: Fort Stevenson State Park is a boater’s dream nestled in Garrison. Fort Stevenson also has a rich military history, which they honor each June with a number of special activities. Camping is also available.
Ohio
Park: Community of Africa State Park
Address: 3305 S Old State Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43015
About: Ohio has significance as part of the United States’ abolitionist history, and it was an active participant in the Underground Railroad. The Community of Africa sits on Alum Creek in which enslaved people could settle into their new lives after leaving southern states.
Oklahoma
Park: Robbers Cave State Park
Address: 2084 NW 146 Rd, Wilburton, OK 74578
About: Robbers Cave State Park has always been a popular location for miners and other outdoors-people. However, the state park gained fame after the Civil War when well-known outlaws would go there to hide from the law.
Oregon
Park: Cascadia State Park
Address: 48241 Cascadia Dr, Cascadia, OR 97329
About: Cascadia State Park has a deep cultural history for both indigenous people and early settling pioneers. Cascadia State Park is located at the confluence of Soda Creek in one of the beautiful Oregon rainforests.
Pennsylvania
Park: Delaware Canal State Park
Address: 11 Lodi Hill Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
About: Delaware Canal State Park is open every day to allow visitors the opportunity to walk through American history on the historic, nearly 60-mile-long towpath. Check out one of the 11 river islands and take a walk along the shore of the 50-acre pond.
Rhode Island
Park: Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area
Address: 151 Pulaski Rd, Chepachet, RI 02814
About: Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the country, but Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area offers big opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to go trout fishing or take a short hike, you’ll enjoy your time at this state park.
South Carolina
Park: Table Rock State Park
Address: 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671
About: The view from the top of the Table Rock trail is truly breathtaking if you can make it to the peak. With hiking, boating, camping, and more, this state park is a great opportunity to get out into nature and is one of 16 South Carolina state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
South Dakota
Park: Palisades State Park
Address: 25491 485th Ave, Garretson, SD 57030
About: Palisades State Park is a unique location in South Dakota. With the beautiful Split Rock Creek running through the park, there are Sioux quartzite formations and 50-foot vertical cliffs.
Tennessee
Park: Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
Address: 404 Spring Creek Rd, Delano, TN 37325
About: Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park is an internationally recognized white-water site, and it is also known for its variety of recreational activities. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park is also home to Gee Creek and 47 primitive-camping sites.
Texas
Park: Longhorn Cavern State Park
Address: 6211 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611
About: Longhorn Cavern State Park is shrouded by legend, and it is truly unique for its geological features. Book a tour of the beautiful caverns, but don’t forget to take a look at the hiking trails throughout the park as well.
Utah
Park: Snow Canyon State Park
Address: 1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Irvins, UT 84737
About: Snow Canyon State Park is 7,400 acres surrounded by lava flows and red cliff canyons. The park was established to protect the desert tortoise and its habitat. The park features interesting geological features, including sand dunes, amphitheaters, and petrified dunes.
Vermont
Park: Camel’s Hump State Park
Address: Waterbury Village Historic District, VT
About: Camel’s Hump State Park was originally called Tah-Wak-be-dee-ee-wadso by the Waubanaukee tribe. The original name translates to Saddle Mountain. Camel’s Hump State Park was originally purchased by Colonel Joseph Battell to preserve the wooded mountains within the park.
Virginia
Park: Kiptopeke State Park
Address: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
About: Kiptopeke State Park offers visitors recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay, and it is a great place to visit if you’re interested in watching migratory bird species on their travels. There are camping opportunities and boat ramps for exploring the bay.
Washington
Park: Steamboat Rock State Park
Address: 51052 WA-155, Electric City, WA 99123
About: Steamboat Rock State Park encompasses over 600 acres of protected land that was carved by ice age flooding. With beautiful lakes and canyons, Steamboat Rock State Park is an excellent choice when visiting Washington State. If you want to get out on the water, there’s 320 feet of boat-launching space, but there are also trails for land lovers.
West Virginia
Park: Babcock State Park
Address: 486 Babcock Rd, Clifftop, WV 25831
About: Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia’s most well-known state parks. With over 4,000 acres of stunning scenery to take in, you won’t be left bored in Babcock State Park as you explore the flora and fauna. You’ll also want to stop in at the Glade Creek Grist Mill.
Wisconsin
Park: Copper Culture State Park
Address: 260 Copper Culture Way, Oconto, WI 54153
About: Copper Culture State Park is a prehistoric cemetery from the Old Copper Complex. These people lived in the northwestern part of the United States from 4,000-2,000 BCE. Explore the Oconto River and learn more about the area in the museum that houses artifacts.
Wyoming
Park: Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site
Address: 4800 Co Rd 52, Hyattville, WY 82428About: Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site has endless outdoor recreational activities for you and your family to take part in, depending on the season, including swimming, biking, hiking, fishing, and snowshoeing. Medicine Lodge also has diverse wildlife.
